Debate Team

Grove City College is a premier Christian undergraduate institution for debaters measured by the moral and academic caliber of team members, their maturity as individuals and as Christians, their willingness and ability to skillfully defend truth in a fallen world, and their history of success.

Operating Principles

Debaters compete in Christian and secular debate tournaments, where they aspire to win and provide cultural witness through their arguments and principles. While the structure of debate can implicitly endorse relativism, Grove City College debaters reject that assumption and learn how to make strong arguments without violating conscience or indulging in fallacies. They are instructed to speak the truth exclusively and win debates and arguments honorably.

Committed to upholding the mission of the College, debaters are encouraged to put academics ahead of extracurricular activities and recognize – during and after competition –that they represent their faith, family, and Grove City College.

A Word from Our Head Coach

“At Grove City College we are committed to training young people to win debates through speaking the truth beautifully. Our motto is to ‘speak better and know more.’ Our success speaks to the effectiveness of the formula, but frankly, I am more pleased by the fact that the team is a true community that fosters development in all aspects of life not just argumentation. Our commitment is to developing men and women dedicated to truth and capable of defending it.”

- Dr. Jason R. Edwards, Professor of History and Forensics Head Coach

Debate Types

Grove City College primarily participates in two types of debate to help students fulfill their God-gifted potential in forensics. The strength of each style is a focus on the development of real world skills and breadth of knowledge:

National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA): Two-person teams debate topics in policy, value, and fact announced 15 minutes before the start of a round.

International Parliamentary Debate Association (IPDA): Single debaters face off on topics of policy, value, and fact announced 20 to 30 minutes before the start of a round.

A Home for National Champions

“Grove City has been winning national championships consistently...but in the meanwhile, its debaters have managed balanced lifestyles that prioritize class, social engagements, and career pursuits. It is truly a unique culture - one that allows its debaters to flourish outside of the program - and the skills it hones have influenced my life to a greater extent than anything else I did in college. Some of my best friends have come from the team and some of my favorite memories from college stem from our times traveling and competing!” – Mark Mariani ’15, former GCC Debate Team Captain

Students on the Grove City College Debate Team receive training in persuasive communication in a friendly and supportive community. Debaters develop skills and deepen faith as they compete in tournaments, travel the country, and eat a lot of barbecue.

Coaches

Head Coach: Dr. Jason R. Edwards, Professor of History

Assistant Coach: Dr. Andrew Harvey, Professor of English and Head Speech Coach